AboutBill Rodgers Expertise I have years of experience dealing with water infiltration issues associated with windows and doors. I have been a certified EIFS installer and am familiar with all types of stucco and masonry veneers.
I can help you select the best windows and doors for any residence or multifamily building.
Experience I've been a building contractor since 1977. Prior to that time I was the building official for Frederick County Virginia. I'm currently licensed in six states including: Oregon, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Florida. My primary business is solving and correcting water infiltration problems in residential structures.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, 1972. I am an accredited instructor for the Installation Masters Institute. I regularly teach window and door installers how to be Certified Master Installers of windows and doors. The Installation Masters Institute is currently licensed to and administered by Architectural Testing Inc. for the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association.
Question I am in the process of building my new home. I had the excavator come in and level out the foundation area and dig a drainage trench to the front of the property that is sloped down from the house area. The undisturbed soil is alot of clay and since it is raining alot here in PA I have not had time to build yet and the soil is slick and in some places spongy but mainly free of water. When it is dried it is hard as a rock. Can I simply install the footer 12" deep and 24" wide over the clay soil or should I install compacted stone first and then the forms? Thank You for your time
Answer Hi Martin,
I've built several homes on clay. Oregon's blue clay is some of the worst anywhere!!! I've always excavated an additional four inches and added washed gravel to the footprint plus 4' in every direction.
